Scientology suit moving too slow for judge

Updated 8:35 am, Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Judge Dib Waldrip presides as lawyers in the Monique Rathbun versus the Church of Scientology case argue points in the courtroom of Dib Waldrip on January 22, 2014.

Judge Dib Waldrip presides as lawyers in the Monique Rathbun versus the Church of Scientology case argue points in the courtroom of Dib Waldrip on January 22, 2014.

Photo: TOM REEL, San Antonio Express-News

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Defense attorney Ricardo G. Cedillo argues a point as lawyers in the Monique Rathbun versus the Church of Scientology case argue points in the courtroom of Dib Waldrip on January 22, 2014.

Defense attorney Ricardo G. Cedillo argues a point as lawyers in the Monique Rathbun versus the Church of Scientology case argue points in the courtroom of Dib Waldrip on January 22, 2014.

Photo: For The San Antonio Express-News

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Plaintiff attorney Ray B. Jeffrey presents his case as lawyers in the Monique Rathbun versus the Church of Scientology case argue points in the courtroom of Dib Waldrip on January 22, 2014.

Plaintiff attorney Ray B. Jeffrey presents his case as lawyers in the Monique Rathbun versus the Church of Scientology case argue points in the courtroom of Dib Waldrip on January 22, 2014.

Photo: For The San Antonio Express-News

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Monique Rathbun (from left), husband Marty and a witness, Mike Rinder, leave the courtroom for a break from a hearing regarding the suit against the Church of Scientology.

Monique Rathbun (from left), husband Marty and a witness, Mike Rinder, leave the courtroom for a break from a hearing regarding the suit against the Church of Scientology.

Photo: Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News

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Monique Rathbun talks to a supporter while awaiting for the start of a hearing regarding a lawsuit against the Church of Scientology for alleged harassment against her and her husband, Marty, who was once a member turned critic of the church. Along with damages, Rathbun is also seeking an injunction against the church from further harassment. The case was held in Comal County's 433rd District Court in Judge Dib Waldrip's court. less

Monique Rathbun talks to a supporter while awaiting for the start of a hearing regarding a lawsuit against the Church of Scientology for alleged harassment against her and her husband, Marty, who was once a ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, San Antonio Express-News

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District Judge Dib Waldrip holds a conference with attorneys during a hearing regarding the Scientology lawsuit.

District Judge Dib Waldrip holds a conference with attorneys during a hearing regarding the Scientology lawsuit.

Photo: Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News

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Mark "Marty" Rathbun (second from left) talks with attorney Elliott Cappuccio as lawyers representing the Church of Scientology huddle in discussion before a hearing regarding a lawsuit against the Church of Scientology for alleged harassment against Rathbun's wife, Monique. Along with damages, Rathbun is also seeking an injunction against the church from further harassment. The case was held in Comal County's 433rd District Court in Judge Dib Waldrip's court.

Mark "Marty" Rathbun (second from left) talks with attorney Elliott Cappuccio as lawyers representing the Church of Scientology huddle in discussion before a hearing regarding a lawsuit against the Church of

Monique Rathbun is the plaintiff in a lawsuit against the Church of Scientology along with it's leader and two employees alleging a four-year campaign of harassment and surveillance that began after her husband, Mark "Marty" Rathbun, defected from the church.

Monique Rathbun is the plaintiff in a lawsuit against the Church of Scientology along with it's leader and two employees alleging a four-year campaign of harassment and surveillance that began after her

Mark "Marty" Rathbun speaks about his views on the Church of Scientology at his home at Ingleside on the Bay, Texas Thursday July 7, 2011. Rathbun left the organization in 2004 and has been an outspoken critic of the group's practices. JOHN DAVENPORT/jdavenport@express-news.net

Mark "Marty" Rathbun speaks about his views on the Church of Scientology at his home at Ingleside on the Bay, Texas Thursday July 7, 2011. Rathbun left the organization in 2004 and has been an outspoken critic

NEW BRAUNFELS — Upset with bickering lawyers, constant delays and objections, a state district judge reached his limit Monday in a case involving the Church of Scientology.

Exclaiming 'hush,' and hurling his spectacles to the courtroom floor, Judge Dib Waldrip gave both sides a good tongue-lashing.

“We're spending time doing nothing, nothing except burning money and the court's time and resources, and the Comal County taxpayer's money,” he exclaimed, adding, “I'm about to the limit.”

The suit filed by Monique Rathbun, the wife of Scientology dissident Mark Rathbun, accuses agents of the Church of Scientology of conducting a four-year campaign of harassment, dirty tricks, and surveillance.

On its surface, the six-months-long court case is about the church's alleged misconduct toward Mrs. Rathbun. But the plaintiffs hope to depose church leader David Miscavige to prove he was the mastermind of the hostile actions against her.

Miscavige's lawyers are fighting to avoid this, and are expected to appeal an order by Waldrip, renewed Monday, that he come to Texas to give sworn testimony.